Page 406 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 12 February 2013
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endlessly that we should be proud of what Labor has delivered in this example of modern technology. We were promised it would serve us well for many decades. But the Productivity Commission tells a somewhat different and real story. The real net operating expenditure per prisoner per day is $313.27. By comparison, the national average is $226.13. That is $87.14 per prisoner per day more expensive than other states and territories.
Clearly, despite the fact that our prison is promoted as among the world’s most human rights compliant, its residents obviously do not agree because they have no more desire to stay there than those in other prisons. We clearly also make it easier for them to get out. Escapes per 100 prisoners is 13.25. This is, not surprisingly, not only the highest in the country but the highest by a country mile.
Ms Gallagher: How many escapes, Steve? Attempted escapes? One.
MR DOSZPOT: The national average is just 0.44. So not only are we the most expensive by over 30 per cent, but we also have the most breakouts. If I recall correctly, that one you are talking about did not even want to go. He stayed inside!
Mr Rattenbury: Well, exactly.
Ms Gallagher: Yes, that’s how secure it is. He had to call for help.
Mr Wall: It’s because it’s a resort.
MR DOSZPOT: That is right.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Gentleman): Members! Discussion on a matter of public importance through the chair, please. Mr Doszpot.
Ms Gallagher: Have you been there, Mr Wall?
MR DOSZPOT: I have not had the pleasure of being arrested yet, no.
Ms Gallagher: Well, Mr Wall just called it a resort.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Members!
MR DOSZPOT: The national average is just 0.44. So not only are we the most expensive by over 30 per cent; we also have the most breakouts—in fact, 400 per cent more than the national average.
But there is more. We also have the most number of assaults in custody—and that is no laughing matter—prisoner on prisoner. There were 15.84 assaults per 100 prisoners, and, yes, it is the highest in the country. The national average is 8.3.
As shadow corrections minister, Zed Seselja said in a release at the time:
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